The Supernatural

The author uses the theme of the supernatural to provide an element of the otherworldly to the novel and as an impetus to further the Small Frank/Franklin Price storyline. This ethereal aspect is often whimsical, as it is funny to imagine the soul of a man, particularly a cantankerous, immoral man like Price, being transferred to the body of a cat at the moment of his death, but the supernatural theme is also imbued with a certain level of tragedy. This is because there is no satisfying emotional closure between Franklin and Frances before her death, and also because of the manifestation of Madeleine's psychic powers, which allow her to recognize that someone is about to die because of a green aura around their body.

The author explores Madeleine's abilities with sensitivity and nuance, demonstrating that her supernatural gift has been a burden, causing...